My contribution to the lineup is this baked oatmeal with almonds and frozen blueberries.

Since we’re using frozen berries in place of fresh, I’m including Winter in the title. Berries are frozen at peak ripeness during their prime growing season, and fortunately retain their nutritional value through the freezing process.

Blueberries rank high amongst heart-healthy foods with good reason; they are jam-packed with antioxidants. According to recent studies, blueberries can help to regulate blood pressure and may reduce the “bad” LDL cholesterol that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Another heart-healthy superstar in this recipe is rolled oats. Oatmeal may also lower LDL cholesterol and works against high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.

Rounding out the heart-healthy ingredients in this baked oatmeal is almonds. Just like blueberries and oats, antioxidant vitamin E-rich almonds may lower LDL cholesterol and can also reduce the risk of blood clots (thereby reducing chances of a heart attack).

If the heart health benefits alone don’t convince you to make this baked oatmeal, hopefully this description will!

Fluffy and light, the baked oats are flecked with crunchy sliced almonds. Wild blueberries lend a bluish purple hue to the oats as well as a natural sweetness. A hint of almond extract comes through with each bite, and the souffle-like baked oatmeal is topped with a simple homemade blueberry syrup.

So there you have it. A morning meal that allows you to simultaneously satisfy your appetite, fuel your body, and love your heart!

Winter Blueberry Almond Baked Oatmeal (for one)

by Lauren Zembron

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Keywords: bake breakfast almonds blueberries oatmeal winter

Ingredients (1 serving)

1/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 tsp unrefined cane sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

scant 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 large egg white

1/4 tsp pure almond extract

1 Tbsp toasted sliced almonds

1/4 cup unthawed frozen wild blueberries, plus 2 Tbsp, divided

1 tsp pure maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a small ovenproof bowl.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oats, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

In a medium bowl, whisk together almond milk, egg white, and almond extract.

Here we are on the kickoff morning of the Love Your Heart month-long event!
Cara is hosting this week's giveaway, so head on over to her site for a chance to win a copy of our own Amy Roskelley's book,